Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight 10th - 11th century CE

Technical Description 

Bronze barrel-shaped trade weight dating to the late Byzantine period 10th - 11th century CE. Made from a copper alloy (heavily leaded bronze). Centring points, circular grooves near the edge and further concentric circles engraved on both sides. Similar to those found in Osmaniye in the Anatolian region, northeast of the Mediterranean Sea. Patina of grey and green hues with a light brown residue. Weighs 29.1g which corresponds to ten dirhems or 7 mithqal.

Date & Origin 

Byzantine Anatolia, 10th - 11th century CE. c900 - c1050.

Condition

Well preserved, a smooth surface with mild encrustation and a beautiful green patina.

Dimensions

Height: 1.4cm
Diameter: 1.9cm

Historical Context 

Produced around the time of the Crusades and the siege of Constantinople. The Sultanate of Rûm was established over conquered Byzantine territories by the Seljuk Turks until their defeat by the Mongol Empire in 1243.

Documented Examples

The MET has given a date range of 750 - 1050 CE, however, this covers a range of weights. The Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara has given the earliest estimate as the 10th century.

MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/478112
Anatolian Civilizations Museum: https://journals.openedition.org/anatoliaantiqua/383